Ole time Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Ole time Funeral Potatoes Recipe
(adapted for today's cook)
pre-heat at 350 degrees

Using either a 13 x 9 or 10 x 14 baking pan
Slice a pan full of potatoes (thin slices) Add
1 large or 2 medium sweet onions, also sliced thin
mix the potatoes and the onion slices together in baking pan.
set aside.

In another bowl, mix by hand, make a sauce with:
1 pint sour cream
2 sticks melted butter
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 to 2 Cups shredded cheddar or your favorite shredded cheese

Take half of the sauce:
Mix well with potatoes / onions.
Spread the rest of the sauce on top.
bake for 1 1/2 hours


Variations:
-use Vidalia onions.
-use several different types of potatoes.
-use 2 pounds of frozen, shredded hash browns instead of regular potatoes.
-saute the onion in butter before mixing with potatoes or hash browns.
-saute sliced mushrooms in butter and add to potato mixture.
-use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom.
-add some cooked, crumbled bacon to mixture before baking.
-for a crunchy topping, top with a layer of crunched-up corn flakes before baking.
-for a cheesy topping , sprinkle casserole with an additional cup + or -, of your favorite shredded cheese about 10 minutes before potatoes are done.



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I know the title of this recipe, Funeral Potatoes, at first seems a bit morbid, but it is not. The love and friendship of those in your community was often shown by the women baking and cooking for each others families during times of illness, mourning and financial trouble. Years ago, in rural areas when some one passed away, their friends and church community would cook and bake many items for the family during the viewing days and for a large meal after the funeral. Making it possible for those who wished to gather and share stories and fond memories of their loved one or dear friend who passed away. The following recipe is for Old time Funeral Potatoes, this recipe may be doubled easily if two pans are needed. I was brought up to try and do something for others in times of need, even the smallest kindness is appreciated. In my opinion, I believe many recipes and traditions such as Funeral Potatoes, started so those in distress did not have to worry about cooking and kitchen duties when there was a death in the family. I know even now when I hear of a friend or loved one who has passed away, my first instinct is to grab my baking pan...



Diary of a Kentucky Cook